What's the best time to visit Spain?
Spain offers diverse climates, so the best time to visit varies by region. For the mainland’s Mediterranean Coast, Central Spain, and Catalonia, spring and fall bring mild weather and fewer crowds.
The Canary Islands provide year-round warmth, with spring and fall being ideal to avoid high season prices. If you’re into winter sports, the Spanish Pyrenees are perfect from December to February, offering fresh snow and low temperatures.
Spain is one of the most popular countries to visit in the world. On average, Spain is host to over 82 million visitors annually, making it the second-most visited country globally after France.
Whether you want to go for gorgeous beaches, vibrant culture, tapas and paella, Spanish football games, flamenco dancing, high-quality wine, or else, this is an excellent country to visit any time of the year.
However, some times of the year are better than others, depending on your trip type, goals, budget, itinerary, and overall preferences. Keep reading this article to uncover the best time to visit Spain.
We’ll describe when to go depending on several factors such as weather, crowds, prices, and events. We’ll also offer some essential travel tips to make the most of your time in Spain no matter when you decide to go.
Our goal is to ensure that you choose the most optimal time to visit Spain so you can optimize your experience in this beautiful country!
The Overall Best Time to Visit Spain
Oleg_P/Shutterstock
The best time to visit Spain is spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). This time is when the weather is mild and pleasant, with fewer crowds than in the summer.
Of course, this isn’t true everywhere in Spain. The Canary Islands, for example, are warm and sunny year-round. And if you’re interested in winter sports, then the best time to visit Spain would be in the winter (December to February).
Spain has a reputation for being a sunny country, and for a good reason. On average, Spain receives around 3,000 hours of sunshine per year. That said, the country’s weather can vary depending on the region.
The north of Spain is cooler and wetter than the south, for example. But colder temperatures and higher elevation in some areas make this an optimal destination for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding as well!
The Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago off the coast of northwest Africa. The islands are known for their year-round warm weather and stunning beaches.
The best time to visit the Canary Islands is in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) because winter and summer are high seasons for these Islands, meaning that accommodations and flights would be more expensive.
The Mediterranean Coast, Central Spain, and Catalonia
The Mediterranean Coast is the stretch of land along Spain’s southeastern coast. This area includes the Costa Blanca, Costa Brava, Costa del Sol, and Costa de la Luz. Central Spain includes Madrid and Catalonia is on the Northeast side of Spain, which includes Barcelona.
The best time to visit all of these regions is in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to October), when the weather is mild and more delightful than the winter, and there are fewer crowds than in the summer.
Fewer crowds are especially welcome, as these areas are the most popular tourist areas in the country.
The Spanish Pyrenees
The Spanish Pyrenees are a mountain range that runs along the border of Spain and France. The Spanish Pyrenees is a popular destination for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding.
The best time to visit the Spanish Pyrenees is in the winter (December to February) when the temperatures are low, and the snow is fresh.
Cheapest Time to Visit Spain
LucVi/Shutterstock
The overall low season in Spain is January to February when the weather is colder, and it’s past the holiday season. This time is also unsurprisingly the cheapest time to visit Spain as well.
You can get great deals and budget prices on things like flights, accommodation, and even food if you’re willing to brave the cooler temperatures. Many museums and attractions also offer reduced prices or free admission during the low season.
We suggest using Skyscanner’s Whole Month Search tool to search for even better flight deals. Skyscanner supports travelers by helping them compare flights from different airlines and ultimately find the lowest-priced options for their desired dates or date range.
Additionally, you can use Hopper. Hopper is a helpful tool that utilizes historical flight data to predict future flight fares. This data prediction allows you to reserve flights earlier and with more confidence.
Least Busy Time to Visit Spain
Natalishvets/Shutterstock
As with many tourism hot spots, the cheapest time to visit is also usually the least busy time to visit: which is the low season. That said, the least busy time to visit Spain is also during the wintertime, between December and February.
However, the business will depend on which region of Spain you plan to visit. You can still expect crowds if you’re going to the Pyrenees during this time and/or a popular ski resort.
If you want to visit Spain during the low season, don’t mind colder temperatures, and avoid as many crowds as possible, your best bet is to wait until the holiday season is over and visit from January to February.
Worst Time to Visit Spain
Marques/Shutterstock
The worst time to visit Spain is in the summer (July and August). The weather during this time is sweltering, often hitting over 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
Additionally, since this is the most popular time to visit Spain, you can expect higher prices on everything from flights and accommodations to food and activities. Crowds will also be at their largest during the summer.
If you’re not a fan of large crowds, we suggest avoiding Spain during this time.Keep in mind that the dates for the high and low seasons can vary depending on the specific region within Spain that you’re visiting.
For example, the Canary Islands generally have a high season that lasts from mid-June to late August, while much of the rest of Spain’s high season is from mid-July to late August.
When deciding when to visit Spain, be sure to consider the specific region(s) you want to visit as well as the activities you want to do while you’re there.
Frequently Asked Questions
RossHelen/Shutterstock
Given the number of activities, excursions, sights, and attractions within Spain’s borders, planning a trip to this country can be exciting and nerve-racking!
If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed and need more answers, here are some commonly asked questions regarding when to travel to Spain and other tips.
When is the cheapest month to go to Spain?
The cheapest month to visit Spain is usually January or February. However, keep in mind that the weather will be colder during these months, so it may not be ideal if you’re looking to spend time at the beach.
What is the hottest month to go to Spain?
The hottest month to go to Spain is usually July and August, with June being third place. The temperature can reach as high as 86 degrees Fahrenheit in late July and early August. Many people enjoy this heat, while others find it entirely uncomfortable.
What is the rainy season in Spain?
There isn’t technically a “rainy season” in Spain, which is part of the reason the country is such a hot spot for tourism. However, Spain’s wettest months of the year are October and November.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Spain?
The best time to visit Spain depends on what you’re looking for in a vacation. If you’re looking for pleasant weather without the crowds and high prices, spring or fall are the best times to visit Spain.
If you want to experience the country’s traditional holidays and culture, August is the month for you. Additionally, if you want to partake in winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, you ought to visit in the winter.
You can avoid some of the winter crowds by going after the holiday season, in January or February. And if you’re looking to spend time at the beach and enjoy the heat, the best time to visit Spain is in July or August.
No matter when you decide to go, Spain will surely provide you with an unforgettable experience. Happy travels!